July 23, 2019 – Yarn Barn in Lawrence and Yak ‘n Yarn in Topeka, Kansas

Moving across the country like a hell-bent tornado!!!!

We are in Junction City, Kansas this week.  It’s a great stopping point between the west and the south PLUS it’s where middle son, Josh lives!  We’re staying at a the Acorn Resort at Milford Lake, Milford, Kansas. (ED. Note – OMG – this is SO SO much better!!!!)  It is very large and has several different sections.  There is a section close to the lake where the sites are fairly close together – I think these are for people that will be on their boats most of the time.  There are cabins that are set back into the trees giving them a lot of privacy and another section up front (where we are) with very large sites and not very full.  We are really enjoying the space! 

 

Finally, finally, another shop to buy stuff at!!!!

Today I decided to take a little trip to Lawrence, Kansas.  Lawrence is a lovely college town, home to University of Kansas and a fantastic yarn shop – the Yarn Barn of Kansas.  If you remember back to one of my April posts, this is the shop that we arrived to after closing ☹ so I am grateful for the time to come back and visit.  I have seen Yarn Barn advertisements in my knitting magazines for YEARS so I am very intrigued.  The shop sits right in old downtown Lawrence with all the trendy restaurants, college shops, bars and gift shops.  Parking on the street was pretty easy to find (even though I didn’t put enough change in the meter and may have a small parking ticket to take care of….) (ED. NOTE – Yes you do!!!  So, we’ll move some “yarn” money over to pay for it, I’m gonna assume!!!!)

If you can’t get finger cramps is it really even work!!!

On entering the Yarn Barn, I was a little overwhelmed at which direction I should go!  There was yarn on the left and weaving looms and cones of yarn on the right.  I don’t weave but still love to look at any textile fiber crafts, so did a quick once over through the looms and coned yarn.  All the looms (about 6 or so) had something started on them.  It was nice to be able to see what type of product you can get out of each loom.  A couple had come in asking questions and one of the associates spent a lot of time explaining the differences and what you could do with the looms.  I was impressed with her knowledge! (ED. NOTE – It won’t fit and it weighs too much for the rig!!!)

The moment we’ve all been waiting for!!!!

I continued on around the room – the selection of yarn is outstanding! (check out their website)  I loved that there were samples of much of the yarn.  Those samples are what cost me this time!  I saw two hats that had been knit out of Hot Cakes by Encore , which has enough yardage for at least 2 hats, maybe 3. (ED. NOTE – Good God, woman, will it ever stop!!???!???!!??)  I loved the way the colors looked next to one another.  (No comment, Mr. Editor!)

No, we can’t have have one!!!!!!

As I got to the back of the store, there was a HUGE display of spinning wheels.  There was at least 15 different styles and wheels from various companies.  I looked at each one – it amazes me that spinning wheels can be so different but give you the same output – yarn!  Some were the larger wheel on the side styles (old fashioned looking) but most were the upright, wheel on the top of the pedals style, some quite compact and easy to travel with (ED. NOTE – For something that size we’d have to get rid of one of the dogs, I’ll let you pick!!!!), others made for a more permanent position.  Next to the wheels was a good size section of fleece roving, some in natural colors and others already dyed, ready for spinners, along with carders and drop spindles.  Over on the wall was a large section of knitting needles.  I think I counted at least 5 different companies represented!

We may form a club or something!!!!

There was a nice space up front by the large front windows for sitting and knitting (and for husbands who had come in with their wives – there were several of those today).  The associates were pleasant and helpful but didn’t follow you around (I like that).  If I lived around here, I feel sure this is a shop I would spend a lot of time in! (ED. NOTE – If we lived around there, I’m sure we would be broke in a year!!!!)

Home of the Evel Knievel museum, may he ever ride in glory across Snake River!!!!

Next, I drove back west toward Junction City and stopped in Topeka at the Yak ‘n Yarn.  This shop is in the Fairlawn Plaza Mall.  It’s good to know this so you’re not looking for an outside door – you must go into the mall to find the shop.  This shop was not quite as large as the Yarn Barn but still a good size.  Their selection of yarn was not as extensive but the prices were comparable.  There was a large table in the middle of the shop that held at least 8 knitters/crocheters.  They were having a good ole time!  No one greeted me or asked if I needed help until I was getting ready to leave but honestly I was so happy to hear them talking and laughing that it didn’t really bother me.  It’s great that Topeka has a local yarn shop.

So, now we know you can go faster – it’s a question of motivation!!!!

I have been working steadily on my Montana socks.  I am motivated to complete them quickly since they are a thank you gift 😊.  The varigated yarn is working up in large swaths of diagonal stripes instead of the usual small striped around the foot.  I love them – only have the foot left to go!